Volcano Lake / Ljótipollur lake

Lake Ljótipollur or Volcano Lake is an explosion crater and crater lake in the south Highlands. Its name means ‘Ugly Puddle’, despite the fact it is an incredibly beautiful site. It is part of the Veiðavötn volcanic area.

Ljótipollur is a beautiful feature, with blue waters, green vegetation growing up and down its slopes, and vividly colored red lava rock surrounding it.

Located in the Fjallabak reserve, you will need a 4×4 to reach this little wild paradise. The lake is located at the junction between the F225 and F208.

A small steep track goes eastward from the junction and allows you to climb directly up to the edge of the crater. But beware, because this track is very steep especially at the end, with big stones and ruts that will have to be negotiated with caution

Once at the summit, the lake and its crater let themselves be embraced with a glance, revealing all their colours.  To get down to the lake there is a step hiking path.

Originally, it was an explosion dating from 1477 that formed the crater with a diameter of 1500 meters, which was then filled with water.

The colors of the contours form a striking contrast and the shades of yellow and green add an exotic touch. In the distance, in the background, you can see the famous rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar.

The lake is inhabited by brown trout with an average size between 1-2 pounds but fish up to 8 pounds have been caught here.

FP Members fish for free in Volcano Lake